Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Sixteen-year-old Tessa has run out of time- the cancer that she has been battling for years has taken over her body and she has run out of medical options. After moping over her situation, Tessa decides to get back to the business of living and creates herself a list of things she wants to do before she dies- including having sex, doing something illegal, trying drugs, becoming famous, and falling in love. Tessa’s narration is powerful and heart wrenching. She struggles between being depressed about her situation, waiting passively for the inevitable, and going out living life on her terms. As she completes items on her list, she finds love and support from her best friend Zoey, her family, and her new boyfriend Adam. Downham has created a believable narrator who will speak to teen readers. Intense emotions and mature situations make this title better suited for older teens.